NYCOM is about 10 minutes from the north shore, which has some smaller beaches, and about 20 minutes from the south shore, which has some great beaches. Glen Cove is where many 1st years live and it has it's own beach, albeit kinda small I think. Hicksville is more in the mid-island area, so you're about 15 minutes from either the north or south shores and a 20 minute train ride to manhattan.
Regarding wireless internet, plan for it. It should be up and running within the next few months from what I heard.
I havent heard anything about the white coat ceremony. Although, I did hear a rumor that the "official" cloaking of the white coats wont happen until second year now with some commitment ceremony taking place in the beginning of first year or something. Dont know any details, just heard it from a friend in the hospital yesterday.
enjoy.